Apr02
Morrissey Boycotts Canada
Posted at 11:15 AM | Permalink
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Comments (47)
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In late June the Montreal Symphony are hosting a TV Special to salute Buffy Sainte-Marie's 50th year making music. I am honored to be asked to take part. I first bought a Buffy Sainte-Marie record when I was 12, and her music has always remained with me. In the 1960s, as a political activist, Buffy's lyrics were fearless, and I'm very grateful for all the risks that she took.
I am also pleased to be asked to join the bill at the V Festival at the Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, and also at Fort Calgary in Calgary.
However, as we all know, the psychologically and constitutionally sickening Canadian seal-kill has started and is once again in full-cry.
The horror of the Canadian seal-kill is untranslatable, and although I fully realize that highly concentrated evil exists in other countries - Japan's dolphin slaughter, Iceland's newly-revived whaling, the cat-skinning trade in Switzerland, and China with just about every injustice imaginable - there is something especially menacing about Canada's seal-kill.
Loyola Sullivan (Canada's Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation) is a man of glacial coldness who claims that the seal-kill is "humane" - a view he might alter if his own skull were cracked open with a spiked axe. The fact that the seal-kill provides a livelihood for fishermen is an insultingly dim excuse for it to take place - after all, the German gas chambers of World War 2 also provided work for someone.
The seal-kill takes place to satisfy greed for fur-pelts, and this Canadian government is happy to drag the global image of its own country down, and make it a place that people such as I couldn't bear to visit.
-Morrissey, 29 March 2008.
TAGGED:
canada tour morrissey seal slaughter
Comments
That was a BRILLIANTLY written letter. What an eloquent man and a very talented musician.
Unfortunately, I agree with him when he says there are other countries where bad things are happening, and more specifically, I can't think of any action that could be taken by the Symphony that would in all practicallity help the seals.
If he went, maybe he could organize a protest, maybe he could find a way to boycott seal hunt supporters. Would the loss of his presence REALLY make such a dent in the Canadian economy that the government would REALLY get nervous enough to call off the hunt??
In all seriousness, maybe I am missing something. Many of my close friends are boycotting Japan, Canada and China for the same reasons, but I'm not sure boycotting a whole country would make any economic dent. Does it really work?
;) ps I still adore Morrisey!
Posted by: Maya, CVT | April 2, 2008 12:03 PM
*sniffle*
Posted by: Cali | April 2, 2008 12:13 PM
Powerful Letter...
Posted by: Holly | April 2, 2008 12:18 PM
The Department of Fisheries' Minister is Loyola Hearn, not Loyola Sullivan.
Otherwise, nice job, Morrissey. (Not that he'll be reading this, but oh well.)
Posted by: Canaduck | April 2, 2008 12:19 PM
Brilliant., what more needs to be said: '' Thank you Morrissey. ''
Posted by: keith | April 2, 2008 12:27 PM
Another reason why I love Morrissey!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Diane Gallagher | April 2, 2008 12:43 PM
Simply .....awesome! Pulled no punches. Unsual in today's PC entertainment industry.
Great job!
Posted by: Craig | April 2, 2008 12:44 PM
Brilliant Brilliant Morrissey, Why can't there be more people like you in the world.
Posted by: Tina Watson | April 2, 2008 02:15 PM
Very eloquent indeed!
I am Canadian and am also disgusted. People should also be aware of China and the brutal & sickening way it treats all animals!
Posted by: Annalena | April 2, 2008 02:23 PM
Wow, he is amazing. As if I didn't already have enough respect for him. This letter is amazing.
Posted by: tinkerbellslayer | April 2, 2008 02:47 PM
Morrissey, I love you.
I saw him in a recent interview on British tv, and he was wonderful. He spoke so well on why he was vegetarian.
Keep rocking them Morrissey.
Posted by: Mary | April 2, 2008 02:52 PM
I stood up and loudly applauded that letter!!!
Posted by: Jaclyn | April 2, 2008 03:00 PM
I have heard talk that the US might ban the Summer Olympics in (too lazy to look up how to spell the city's name), but you all know where I mean.
This is on the principle of all the unrest with Tibet.
I think we should boycott and add all the animal atrocities that China commits.
Posted by: Tamara | April 2, 2008 03:47 PM
Oh, and Morrissey rules!
Posted by: Tamara | April 2, 2008 03:47 PM
As Morrissey points out ("Loyola Sullivan /Hearn is a man of glacial coldness who claims that the seal-kill is "humane" - a view he might alter if his own skull were cracked open with a spiked axe"), cruelty can only ever be judged by the victim, not by the perpetrator. People with empathy and compassion though, can sense another's pain and suffering, and won't abide by it.
Posted by: Mike Quinoa | April 2, 2008 04:52 PM
As a Canadian and a Vegitarain, I think this a good idea. Also not Canadians like the Seal Killings. I sertainly don't! Why would they!? Thire so cute thier FLUFFY! XD But most iportantly, they deserve to have a loving famly and to grow up to see thier childern grow up
Posted by: Chelsea | April 2, 2008 07:23 PM
As a (western) CDN.,I am ashamed & appalled with our CDN Government that continues to subsidize this bloodbath! Steven Harper should be aboard one of these kill hunts to see himself, the inhumane shocking treatment that those defenseless animals are suffering..Sign petitions and continue to boycott CDN seafood, as my family does!
Posted by: Violet | April 2, 2008 09:17 PM
Sweet job Morrissey , I am Canadian and would love to see Him come here and perform, but, I respect his reason for not coming, and applaud him for it...
BTW he was correct about Loyola Sullivan being Canada’s Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation, Loyola Hearn is Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in Newfoundland.
Peace.
Posted by: Brian W. Lockyer | April 2, 2008 09:42 PM
Absolutely amazing. I am going to New York this May to visit family, and they are all intent of traveling to Canada. i wholly disagree with the slaughtering of millions of Harp-seals, and your letter should open up the eyes of millions of people. But, alas, no one in the world cares about what they are doing, they just want the money. Maybe the Seal hunters need a good whack to the head to see how they like it.
Posted by: Hannah | April 2, 2008 10:44 PM
May God Bless Morrissey! STOP the BLOODY Hunt N.O.W!!!
Posted by: niranjan | April 3, 2008 12:09 AM
You da man, Morrisey, you da man!!
Posted by: lynda downie | April 3, 2008 12:36 AM
That's my Morrissey, with his Northern English no-bullshit directness. I love you, always have.
Posted by: Antonio | April 3, 2008 08:00 AM
So good written. Thank you Morrissey!
I wait until this awful hunting ends. Then I can visit Canada.Not until then. This is too much, makes me feel sick.
Posted by: Thomas Forslund | April 3, 2008 08:30 AM
A beautiful, eloquent letter...I may just send a similar one to Canada's tourist bureau...
Hey Morrissey, Good work!
Posted by: Karen | April 3, 2008 08:36 AM
Nice one Karen ! simple idea but effective : we must all write our disgust at seal hunting to the tourist board of Canada. I have already persuaded one friend to not have a vacation in the Northern Terriotary this summer.
Posted by: keith | April 3, 2008 12:36 PM
Not only is he a gifted musician, but gifted with words! Can you possibly love Morrissey any more?! To boycott an entire country like that gives him moxy beyond belief!!! Moz, you ARE cooler than Elvis!!!!
Posted by: MeL | April 3, 2008 01:54 PM
Over the years, I have read
two very powerful interviews
with Morrissey(both done with
Peta's Dan Mathews); the combination of these two very
compassionate, and intelligent men made for an
electrifying reading experience. Being keepers; I
have saved both articles. If their are any other individuals who even come close to the intense devotion, kindness, and kindred spirit that Morrissey
has for the animals--please come forward. Also, not to be over the top here; it is said that, angels walk among us.
Posted by: Pamela L. | April 3, 2008 02:18 PM
What a truly lovely gentleman.
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | April 3, 2008 03:53 PM
CANADIAN SEAL HUNT
MYTHS AND REALITIES
Myth #1: The Canadian government allows sealers to kill whitecoat seals.
Reality: The image of the whitecoat harp seal is used prominently by seal hunt opponents. This image gives the false impression that vulnerable whitecoat pups are targeted by sealers during the commercial hunt.
The hunting of harp seal pups (whitecoats) and hooded seal pups (bluebacks) is illegal – and has been since 1987. The Marine Mammal Regulations prohibit the trade, sale or barter of the fur of these pups. The seals that are hunted are self-reliant, independent animals.
Myth #2: Seals are being skinned alive.
Reality: A 2002 independent veterinarians’ report published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal and numerous reports mentioned by the Malouf Commission (1987) indicate that this is not true.
Sometimes a seal may appear to be moving after it has been killed; however seals have a swimming reflex that is active – even after death. This reflex gives the false impression that the animal is still alive when it is clearly dead – similar to the reflex in chickens.
Myth #3: The club – or hakapik – is a barbaric and inhumane tool that has no place in today’s world.
Reality: Hunting methods were studied by the Royal Commission on Seals and Sealing in Canada and it found that the clubbing of seals, when properly performed, is at least as humane as, and often more humane than, the killing methods used in commercial slaughterhouses, which are accepted by the majority of the public.
A 2002 report published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal found that the club or hakapik is an efficient tool designed to kill the animal quickly and humanely.
Myth #4: The Canadian government is allowing sealers to kill thousands of seals to help with the recovery of cod stocks.
Reality: Several factors have contributed to the lack of recovery of Atlantic cod stocks, such as fishing effort, poor growth and physical condition of the fish, and environmental changes.
In addition, there are many uncertainties in the estimates of the amount of fish consumed by seals. The commercial quota is established on sound conservation principles, not an attempt to assist in the recovery of groundfish stocks.
Myth #5: The hunt is unsustainable and is endangering the harp seal population.
Reality: Since the 1960s, environmental groups have been saying the seal hunt is unsustainable. In fact, the harp seal population is healthy and abundant. The Northwest Atlantic harp seal population is currently estimated at 5.5 million animals, nearly triple what it was in the 1970s.
DFO sets quotas at levels that ensure the health and abundance of seal herds. In no way are seals - and harp seals in particular – an “endangered speciesâ€.
Myth #6: The seal hunt provides such low economic return for sealers that it is not an economically viable industry.
Reality: Seals are a significant source of income. For some individual sealers and for thousands of families in Eastern Canada at a time of year when other fishing options are limited at best, sealing can represent as much as 35 per cent of a sealer’s annual income in some coastal communities. Sealing also creates employment opportunities for buying and processing plants.
Myth #7: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) provides subsidies for the seal hunt.
Reality: DFO does not subsidize the seal hunt. Sealing is an economically viable industry. All subsidies ceased in 2001. Even before that time, any subsidies provided were for market and product development, including a meat subsidy, to encourage full use of the seal. In fact, government has provided much less subsidization to the sealing industry than recommended by the Royal Commission on Seals and Sealing.
Myth #8: The seal hunt is loosely monitored and DFO doesn’t punish illegal hunting activity or practices.
Reality: The seal hunt is closely monitored and tightly regulated. Fishery Officers conduct surveillance of the hunt by means of aerial patrols, surface (vessel) patrols, dockside inspections of vessels at landing sites and inspections at buying and processing facilities.
Infractions are taken seriously and sealers who fail to comply with Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations are penalized. The consequences of such illegal actions could include court-imposed fines and the forfeiting of catches, fishing gear, vessels and licences.
Myth #9: The majority of Canadians are opposed to the seal hunt.
Reality: Animal rights groups currently campaigning against the seal hunt cite a 2004 Ipsos Reid poll stating that the majority of Canadians are opposed to the hunt. In fact, Canadians support federal policies regarding the seal hunt. An Ipsos-Reid survey conducted in February 2005 concluded that 60 per cent of Canadians are in favour of a responsible hunt.
Not all protesters and organizations provide all the information. Propaganda goes both ways in this hunt.
I'm simply suggesting education before commenting. I'm neither for or against the hunt.
Finally, Loyola Sullivan is our Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation. Loyala Hearn is the Minister for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans...2 different guys in 2 different positions.
Posted by: Mike | April 3, 2008 05:31 PM
This is one of the MANY reasons why I adore the man himself (besides his heavenly voice, ideas and music) And THANKS AGAIN for spreading the news around the world, with your music, that is the best weapon we can use against cruelty! I ADORE YOU, MY LAST OF THE FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL PLAYBOYS!
Posted by: Karina | April 3, 2008 06:11 PM
that is a beautifully written letter.
and it should strike home to anyone involved with this horrible "sport."
i always thought that sports were supposed to be like soccer and basketball (with synthetic balls of course!), but apparently they count murdering poor innocent animals as one to. i refuse to think of it as one. it is disgusting and it needs to end.
Morrissey, you are AWESOME!
Posted by: Erika | April 3, 2008 06:56 PM
He is right, Loyola Sullivan is the Ambassador for Fisheries and is deeply involved in promoting the seal hunt. Right now he is in Europe trying to convince them not to pass a ban of seal products. He is also a man of glacial coldness.
Posted by: NT | April 3, 2008 10:17 PM
I am sure no one cares but this is how it goes:
Loyola Sullivan is Canada's Ambassador for Fisheries
Loyola Hearn is the FEDERAL Fisheries Minister
Tom Rideout is the Newfoundland Fisheries Minister.
Not that it makes a difference, they are all cold-bloodied seal killers.
Posted by: NT | April 3, 2008 10:21 PM
"This charming man" is a hero - to animals and to those who care deeply for them. His dedication is heartening and inspiring.
Posted by: A.M. | April 4, 2008 01:01 PM
Morrissey is right in boycotting Canada, it's a place of seal torture and it's unbelievable. I think that what goes on is barbaric and inhumane. The person that wrote the myth comment was out of line too, no matter what the canadian law and the government say, the killing of these poor animals is horrendous and very uncalled for. SADISTIC IS WHAT IT'S CALLED! I hope they all get there's in the future, karma always comes back to haunt those that do wrong!
Peace to the animals (those still alive and those which have been recently butchered!)
Well done morrissey!
Thanks.
Posted by: Hayley | April 7, 2008 04:05 PM
GOOD FOR MORRISEY
and there are those who care and we are doing all we can to help stop it.
Posted by: Kay | April 7, 2008 06:24 PM
Oh please... Canada has "boycotted" this guy for over a decade.... when is the last time you have heard him on the radio? Even Classic Rock stations dont play his crap....
The only rational post on this board is the post abut the facts and myths on the hunt.
Perhaps some of you so called righteous people should put down your steak, burgers and lamb chops and take a trip to Eastern Canada and see how and what people must do to put bread on the table
unducated hypocritical bastards some of you are
Posted by: Canadian | April 7, 2008 10:02 PM
Canadian:
shut your dirty mouth - slaughtering innocent seal babies out of pleasure is and remains a crime! it's not about that this people have nothing on their plates - but they do it out of pleasure as some of them admitted publicly in articles all over the newspapers some time ago! educate yourself - stupid wanking bastard!
Posted by: animalfriend | April 17, 2008 04:36 AM
i am ALSO canadian AND i am completely infatuated with morrissey AND i absolutely cannot stand the seal hunt. AND i am vegan. it's very difficult to get through the head of steven harper, and i wish i could do more, but it's very hard. i apologize for the exsistance of this and it makes me ASHAMED to be canadian, this fact alone. I wish morrissey would come to canada but i respect him even more for not. just thought i'd add my two cents.
Posted by: sharon | April 30, 2008 03:07 PM
I live in Montreal and personally dread the day of this hunt every year and am ashamed of our government too i hate killing PIRIOD i also have problems with all the countries who misstreat animals in any way i will and do boycot China and all the other countries who commit such atrocities.
Posted by: Jessica | May 15, 2008 01:05 PM
I rather agreed with the sentiments of Morrisey's letter however, like many others out there I only support temporary boycotts of Canadian seafood, and tourism and have resolved to put off visting Canada until the hunt ends. It's time to end this heinous stain on the character of a great nation.
Posted by: Patrick Ward | September 13, 2008 03:51 AM
I like Morrisey and I am Canadian, and hate the idea of killing innocent seals,but please....he goes to the states and claims Canada is violating animal rights....nevermind that America is involved in the Iraq war and has it's on hunting and gun control problems. So human rights are not important? I seriously hope that' is not going through his mind. So, please boycott the Canadian government, not Canada as a whole country...that's just ridiculous. North America as a continent is decadent and cruel,,,,and btw the British Government committed some of the most horrible atrocities in history. So I guess he should stop touring there too.
Posted by: jay | September 14, 2008 04:12 PM
I live in Canada. I like Morrissey. I cant see him play because some people whom i don't know kill baby seals. Surely there is another way to protest this seal hunt that does not entail depriving me and other likeminded canadians of a great show by a great musician.
Posted by: Mark Pahwa | March 14, 2009 01:14 AM
how about charging ten bucks more per ticket to all shows in Canada and then donating that money to PETA or another charity with similar interests. Politicians and seal hunt advocates don't listen to morrissey. Most Canadians who do listen to Morissey don't support the seal hunt. Stop alienating your fans and form a stance that will actually make a difference.
Posted by: Mark Pahwa | March 14, 2009 01:52 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how by standing up for something important people will then pick you apart piece by piece.
Posted by: Susan Ballarini | April 23, 2009 01:12 PM
"The fact that the seal-kill provides a livelihood for fishermen is an insultingly dim excuse for it to take place " So says the millionaire musician to poor rural subarctic hunters. It is horrible to watch becasue they are so cute but it is not the worst commercial hunt.
Posted by: Gabe | May 29, 2009 01:38 PM
Any publicity by this charming man is useful for the cause. Another of humans "industries" it treats animals as commodities. Any "use" of animals, including for food, is unnecessary for our survival and is also unethical.
Posted by: AngieD | September 10, 2009 09:43 AM